Shelltastic Crochet Beanie

An easy and quick to make beanie design featuring textured clam shells.

Make in one or multiple colors.

Suited to all ages and genders.

Stress free sizing – no set gauge required. Use any yarn to size to standard sizes or to custom size according to individual measurements

This is an original pattern by Farrah Jane Tate. You are welcome to sell products you have made using my patterns; however, I ask that you refer to the exact name of my pattern somewhere in the text of your listing. You may not copy, re-publish, sell, distribute, translate without permission, or claim my photos or patterns as your own in any way. This pattern may not be used in a classroom/workshop setting without my permission. Please note: If you have downloaded this pattern from an unofficial site (other than Ravelry, Love Crafts, Etsy, or my personal blog), this will be an unauthorised version and may not be the most current version. Please visit one of these sites to download an official, version-controlled copy.

Pattern Details

Refer to Appendix A for example project details.

• Skill Level: Easy.
• Yarn: DK/8ply/Cat. 3 weight or Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4 weight. Any low-pill or non-pill, easy wash fibre.
• Hook: Use yarn label instructions as a guide for selecting hook size. Swatch to determine the optimal hook size for your tension.
• Gauge: Specific gauge not required.
• Beanie Size: Size to preference using Appendix C guide.
• Notions: Scissors and darning needle.
• Stitch Terminology: US. Refer to Abbreviations and Special Stitch Instructions.
• Pattern Synopsis: Beanie worked in the round, from bottom to top, alternating RS (to make Shells) and WS (to make textured Extended Shells). Optional brim added after.
• Social Media Share: @TheCrochetFix #ShelltasticBeanie.

Abbreviations

• ~ = Approximately.
• 3LO = Third Loop Only.
• Beg = Beginning.
• BLO = Back Loop Only.
• Ch = Chain.
• DC = Double Crochet.
• DC2Tog = Double Crochet two stitches together.
• DCStndSt = Double Crochet Standing Stitch. Refer to Special Stitch instructions.
• DK = Double Knit yarn. Equivalent to an 8ply or light worsted weight yarn.
• FSC = (Chainless) Foundation Single Crochet. Refer to YouTube playlist.
• Fin = Finishing.
• FpHDC = Front Post Half Double Crochet.
• HDC = Half Double Crochet.
• Invis Join = Invisible Join. Refer to Special Stitch instructions and YouTube video.
• Prev = Previous.
• Rep(s) = Repeat(s).
• Rnd(s) = Round(s).
• RS = Right Side.
• SC = Single Crochet.
• SC2Tog = Single Crochet two stitches together.
• Sk = Skip
• Sl St = Slip Stitch.
• Spn St = Spin Stitch (optional). Refer to Special Stitch Instructions and YouTube tutorial.
• St(s) = Stitch(es).
• Star St = Star Stitch. Used for Brim Option. Refer to Appendix D.
• WS = Wrong Side.
• Yo = Yarn over (hook).

Special Stitch Instructions

DC2Tog

Note: This st is worked over two consecutive sts from prev rnd and results in a single st reduction.

Yo, insert hook through first st, yo, pull through a loop (three loops on hook), yo, pull yarn through first two loops on hook (two loops on hook). Yo, insert hook through next st, yo, pull through a loop (four loops on hook), yo, pull yarn through first two loops on hook (three loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through all three loops on hook.

DCStndSt

Note: This st is made at the start of the rnd and is the height of a DC. This st can be substituted with (Ch 1, SC in first st, Ch 2) or any other chainless DC.

Ch 1, SC in first st from prev rnd, Ch 1, SC in FLO of first SC (i.e. stacking the second SC on top of the first SC).

Invis Join

Note: Can be substituted with Sl St.

Remove loop from hook, insert hook from back to front (through BL and then FL) of st that join is to be made in, return yarn loop to hook, pull yarn through st (from front to back). Gently pull yarn end to tighten join.

SC2Tog

Note: This st is worked over two consecutive sts from prev rnd and results in a single st reduction.

Insert hook through first st, yo, pull through a loop (two loops on hook). Insert hook through next st, yo, pull through a loop (three loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through all three loops on hook.

Spn St

Insert hook in st, yo, pull through a loop (two loops on hook), yo, pull yarn through first loop on hook (two loops on hook). Spin hook 360 degrees clockwise (a full rotation) on the horizontal plane. Yo, pull yarn through both loops on hook.

Pattern Instructions

Notes:

• Refer to Appendix B for color pattern suggestions.
• Refer to Appendix C for sizing guide for beanie circumference (FSC st count) and length.
• The beanie is made first, working bottom to top. The optional brim is made next, working into the base of the FSC sts in the opposite direction.
• Beg Ch 1 and fin Sl St do not count as a st for st count purposes and should not be worked into in the subsequent rnd.
• DCStndSt counts as a DC for st count purposes.
• The beanie texture is achieved by turning the beanie after each rnd (from Rnd 3 onwards). The first shell rnd is made on RS and the second (extended) shell rnd is made on WS.
• If preferred, for better shell definition, SC sts in the extended shell can be made in BLO (instead of both loops).
• A st count follows each rnd instructions in ( ).

Beanie

Rnd 1 – FSC Foundation Rnd

Leaving a yarn tail of sufficient length to later sew in, FSC^ƚ a multiple of eight (ensuring the last FSC is joined at the base to the first FSC), Sl St into top of first FSC.

(n FSC)

^ƚIf preferred, work a foundation Ch rnd and subsequent SC rnd, as follows:

1. Ch a multiple of eight, Sl St into first Ch (to form a closed circle).
2. Ch 1, SC in first and each subsequent Ch around, Sl St into first SC.

Rnd 2 – RS

Ch 1, SC in first st, Ch 1, sk next st, Sl St into next st, sk next st, 5 DC (Shell) in next st, sk next st, Sl St into next st, Ch 1, sk next st, *SC in next st, Ch 1, sk next st, Sl St into next st, sk next st, 5 DC (Shell) in next st, sk next st, Sl St into next st, Ch 1, sk next st, rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(SC = n/8, Ch 1 Sp = (n/8)x2, Sl St = (n/8)x2, Shell = n/8 (with 5 DC))

Rnd 3 – WS

Turn. Ch 1, SC in first st (i.e. the SC), sk next Ch 1 Sp and Sl St, DC in next two sts, 3 DC in next st, DC in next two sts (Extended Shell), sk next Sl St and Ch 1 Sp, *SC in next st, sk next Ch 1 Sp and Sl St, DC in next two sts, 3 DC in next st, DC in next two sts (Extended Shell), sk next Sl St and Ch 1 Sp, rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(SC = n/8, Extended Shell = n/8 (with 7 DC))

Rnd 4 – RS

Turn. (DCStndSt, 2 DC) in first st (i.e. the SC), Ch 1, sk next three sts, SC in next st, *Ch 1, sk next three sts, 5 DC in next st (Shell), Ch 1, sk next three sts, SC in next st, rep from * around to last three sts, Ch 1, sk last three sts, 2 DC in first st (alongside DCStndSt) (Shell), Sl St into DCStndSt.

(SC = n/8, Ch 1 Sp = (n/8)x2, Shell = n/8 (with 5 DC))

Rnd 5 – WS

Turn. (DCStndSt, DC) in first st (i.e. the DCStndSt), DC in next two sts, sk next Ch 1 Sp, SC in next st, *sk next Ch 1 Sp, DC in next two sts, 3 DC in next st, DC in next two sts (Extended Shell), sk next Ch 1 Sp, SC in next st, rep from * around to last Ch 1 Sp, sk last Ch 1 Sp, DC in last two sts, DC in first st (alongside DCStndSt) (Extended Shell), Sl St into DCStndSt.

(SC = n/8, Extended Shell = n/8 (with 7 DC))

Rnd 6 – RS

Turn. Ch 1, SC in first st, Ch 1, sk next three sts, 5 DC (Shell) in next st, Ch 1, sk next three sts, *SC in next st, Ch 1, sk next three sts, 5 DC (Shell) in next st, Ch 1, sk next three sts, rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(SC = n/8, Ch 1 Sp = (n/8)x2, Shell = n/8 (with 5 DC))

Rnd 7 – WS

Turn. Ch 1, SC in first st, sk next Ch 1 Sp, DC in next two sts, 3 DC in next st, DC in next two sts (Extended Shell), sk next Ch 1 Sp, *SC in next st, sk next Ch 1 Sp, DC in next two sts, 3 DC in next st, DC in next two sts (Extended Shell), sk next Ch 1 Sp, rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(SC = n/8, Extended Shell = n/8 (with 7 DC))

Rnd 8 – RS

Turn. (DCStndSt, 2 DC) in first st, Ch 1, sk next three sts, SC in next st, *Ch 1, sk next three sts, 5 DC in next st (Shell), Ch 1, sk next three sts, SC in next st, rep from * around to last three sts, Ch 1, sk last three sts, 2 DC in first st (alongside DCStndSt) (Shell), Sl St into DCStndSt.

(SC = n/8, Ch 1 Sp = (n/8)x2, Shell = n/8 (with 5 DC))

Rnd 9 – WS

Turn. (DCStndSt, DC) in first st, DC in next two sts, sk next Ch 1 Sp, SC in next st, *sk next Ch 1 Sp, DC in next two sts, 3 DC in next st, DC in next two sts (Extended Shell), sk next Ch 1 Sp, SC in next st, rep from * around to last Ch 1 Sp, sk last Ch 1 Sp, DC in last two sts, DC in first st (alongside DCStndSt) (Extended Shell), Sl St into DCStndSt.

(SC = n/8, Extended Shell = n/8 (with 7 DC))

Rnd 10 onwards

Note: Refer to Appendix C Sizing Guide for guidance with beanie length sizing.

Rep Rnds 6 to 9 until beanie is approximately 2/3 of the required beanie length (minus the brim length if brim is to be made). If making a brim, the recommended length is between 1 to 3.5cm/0.5 to 1.5in (depending on the chosen brim design).

Calculation: 2/3 x (Total Beanie Length – Brim Length)

Example: Women’s beanie with total length of 22cm (slightly slouchy) and a 2cm brim: 2/3 x (22cm – 2cm) = 2/3 x 20cm = ~13.5cm. Finish repeats when length from base to maximum height of each shell (at its middle) is ~13.5cm.

If finishing after a Rnd 7 rep (instead of after a Rnd 9 rep) then before commencing the Shape Peak rnds either join the yarn in the middle DC of any 3 DC cluster from prev rnd, or Sl St across to this st.

Shape Peak Rnd 1 – RS

Turn. Ch 1, SC in first st, sk next three sts, 5 DC (Shell) in next st, sk next three sts, *SC in next st, sk next three sts, 5 DC (Shell) in next st, sk next three sts, rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(SC = n/8, Shell = n/8 (with 5 DC))

Shape Peak Rnd 2 – WS

Turn. Ch 1, SC in first st, DC in next five sts (Extended Shell), *SC in next st, DC in next five sts (Extended Shell), rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(SC = n/8, Extended Shell = n/8 (with 5 DC))

Shape Peak Rnd 3 – RS

Turn. (DCStndSt, DC) in first st, Ch 1, sk next two sts, SC in next st, *Ch 1, sk next two sts, 3 DC in next st (Shell), Ch 1, sk next two sts, SC in next st, rep from * around to last two sts, Ch 1, sk last two sts, DC in first st (alongside DCStndSt) (Shell), Sl St into DCStndSt.

(SC = n/8, Ch 1 Sp = (n/8)x2, Shell = n/8 (with 3 DC))

Shape Peak Rnd 4 – WS

Turn. (DCStndSt, DC) in first st, DC in next st, sk next Ch 1 Sp, SC in next st, *sk next Ch 1 Sp, DC in next st, 3 DC in next st, DC in next st (Extended Shell), sk next Ch 1 Sp, SC in next st, rep from * around to last Ch 1 Sp, sk last Ch 1 Sp, DC in last st, DC in first st (alongside DCStndSt) (Extended Shell), Sl St into DCStndSt.

(SC = n/8, Extended Shell = n/8 (with 5 DC))

Shape Peak Rnd 5 – RS

Turn. Ch 1, SC in first st, sk next two sts, 3 DC (Shell) in next st, sk next two sts, *SC in next st, sk next two sts, 3 DC (Shell) in next st, sk next two sts, rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(SC = n/8, Shell = n/8 (with 3 DC))

Shape Peak Rnd 6 – WS

Turn. Ch 1, SC in first st, DC in next three sts (Extended Shell), *SC in next st, DC in next three sts (Extended Shell), rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(SC = n/8, Extended Shell = n/8 (with 3 DC))

Shape Peak Rnd 7 – RS

Turn. DCStndSt in first st (Shell), sk next st, SC in next st, *sk next st, 2 DC in next st (Shell), sk next st, SC in next st, rep from * around to last st, sk last st, DC in first st (alongside DCStndSt), Sl St into DCStndSt.

(SC = n/8, Shell = n/8 (with 2 DC))

Shape Peak Rnd 8 – WS

Turn. Ch 1, DC2Tog over first two sts (Extended Shell), SC in next st, *DC2Tog over next two sts (Extended Shell), SC in next st, rep from * around, Sl St into DCStndSt.

(SC = n/8, Extended Shell = n/8 (with DC2Tog))

Shape Peak Rnd 9 – RS

Turn. Ch 1, SC2Tog over first two sts, *SC2Tog over next two sts, rep from * around, Sl St into first SC2Tog.

(Total Shape Peak Rnd 8 st count/2)

Shape Peak Rnd 10 – RS

Ch 1, SC in first st, sk next st, *SC in next st, sk next st, rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(If Rnd 9 St Count even: Total Shape Peak Rnd 9 st count/2. If Rnd 9 St Count odd: Total Shape Peak Rnd 9 st count + 1/2)

Sew Peak

Fasten off yarn and use a darning needle to sew top of beanie closed (on WS).

Brim

Rotate beanie so beanie it is positioned with the opening upmost and peak/top downmost. Join yarn in base of first FSC.

Follow instructions for one of the pattern brim options or use a brim of your own design.

For brim options 1 to 4, the number of stitches per round will be the same as the number of FSC that the beanie was commenced with.

Option 1 – Simple SC

Note: This can be worked on RS or WS for different effect (as preferred). If working on RS BLO sts can alternatively be made for textured option.

Rnd 1

Ch 1, SC in first and each subsequent st around circumference, Invis Join into first SC.

(n SC)

Rnds 2+

Rep Round 1 as many times as required to achieve the preferred brim length and overall beanie length.

Fasten off yarn and sew in yarn tail securely on WS.

Option 2 – Spn St or Crab St

Note: This can also be worked as a final decorative rnd following Option 1. Ensure beanie is RS facing prior to commencing.

Refer to Ravelry PDF.

Fasten off yarn and sew in yarn tail securely on WS.

Option 3 – Simple DC on WS

Note: Turn beanie to WS before commencing.

Refer to Ravelry PDF.

Fasten off yarn and sew in yarn tail securely on WS.

Option 4 – Simple HDC Rib

Note: Ensure beanie is RS facing prior to commencing.

Refer to Ravelry PDF.

Fasten off yarn and sew in yarn tail securely on WS.

Option 5 – Intermediate HDC Rib

Notes:

• This brim is made as rows that are joined on one edge to the FSC round.
• The brim can be shortened/lengthened by decreasing/increasing the number of chains from the standard foundation Ch 7.
• If preferred, beg Ch 1 for Row 3 repeat can be substituted with beg Ch 2.
• Sl St along FSC in Row 1 and Row 3 repeat are not counted as a st for st count purposes.
• Ensure beanie is RS facing prior to commencing.
• If the brim works up too loose, work these rows with a smaller hook size or with a tighter tension.

Refer to Ravelry PDF.

Fasten off yarn and sew in yarn tail securely on WS.

Option 5 – Intermediate Star Stitch

Note: Refer to Appendix D for Star Stitch images. Ensure beanie is RS facing prior to commencing.

Refer to Ravelry PDF.

Fasten off yarn and sew in yarn tail securely on WS.

Finishing

Sew in any remaining yarn tails securely on WS.

Pattern Support

Available via thecrochetfix Facebook page.

Pattern Versioning

Version	Date	Comments
0.1	01/06/2019	Draft.
0.2	11/06/2019	Version for testing.
0.3	21/06/2019	Tested version
0.4	28/06/2019	Image 2 arrow added. Ribbed brim instructions updated.
0.1	01/06/2019	Footnote updated.
1.0	20/08/2025	Refresh/Update Template.

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the following testers:

• Julie from Three Oaks Crochet
• Nirmala from Isabel’s Craft Garden

Appendix A: Example Projects

For additional inspiration, refer to Ravelry projects.

DK Mix

• Yarn: 4 Seasons Pure Wool Entwine (DK/8ply/Cat. 3) in various neutral shades, ~110g/4.25Oz in total.
• Hook: 4mm/G-6.
• FC:
• Beanie rnds:
• Brim Design: Star St, 6 rnds in total.
• Relaxed circumference: ~53cm/21in, with a couple cm of positive ease.
• Length (incl. brim): ~26cm/10.25in.
• Fits: Tween/woman/small man, slouchy.

DK Mix

• Yarn: 4 Seasons Pure Wool Entwine (DK/8ply/Cat. 3) in various neutral shades, ~95-110g/4-4.25Oz in total per beanie.
• Hook: 4mm/G-6.
• FC:
• Beanie rnds: 21 top beanie, 25 bottom beanie.
• Brim Design: Star St, 6 rnds in total.
• Relaxed circumference: ~53cm/21in, with a couple cm of positive ease.
• Length (incl. brim): Top beanie ~26cm/10.25in, bottom beanie ~22cm/9in.
• Fits: Tween/woman/small man – top beanie fitted and bottom beanie slouchy.

Worsted Neutrals

• Yarn: Kmart Anko Yarn Cakes yarn (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Biscuit, ~65g/2.25Oz in total.
• Hook: 5mm/H-8.
• FC:
• Beanie rnds:
• Brim Design: No brim.
• Relaxed circumference: ~46.5cm/18.25in, with a couple cm of positive ease.
• Length: ~22cm/8.75in.
• Fits: Child/tween, slightly slouchy.

Worsted Mixed Colors

• Yarn: Kmart Anko Yarn Cakes yarn (Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4) in Artichoke, ~80g/2.75Oz in total.
• Hook: 5mm/H-8.
• FC:
• Beanie rnds:
• Brim Design: No brim.
• Relaxed circumference: ~53cm/21in, with a couple cm of positive ease.
• Length: ~23cm/9in.
• Fits: Teen/woman/small man, fitted to slightly slouchy.

Appendix B: Color Pattern Suggestions

• Solid colour throughout. (Add some texture using BLO sts, if preferred.)
• One colour per shell rep (2 rnds) in transitioning gradient from bottom to top.
• One colour per 2 shell reps (4 rnds) in transitioning gradient from bottom to top.
• Use 3 to 4 colours and work one colour per shell rep. Rep colour pattern throughout.
• Use 3 to 4 colours and work one colour per 2 shell reps. Rep colour pattern throughout.
• Use 2 shades of a colour and work a different shade for first and second rnd of shell rep. Rep colour pattern throughout.
• Use 2 shades of each of two to three colours. Work first rnd of first shell rep in first shade of the first colour and second rnd of first shell rep in second shade of first colour. Work the first rnd of second shell rep in first shade of second colour and second rnd of second shell rep in second shade of second colour. Follow this pattern for all colours/ shades and then rep colour pattern throughout.
• Come up with your own fabulous colour design and be sure to share it with me so I can share it with everyone else!

Appendix C: Basic Sizing

The required beanie size can be determined by using:

A) The Sizing Guide Table, or

B) The Personalised Sizing Method.

Sizing Guide Table

The table is based on The American Craft Yarn Council (ACYC) standard head circumference sizes and standard (fitted) beanie length.

Size	Circumference		Fitted Length (incl. brim)
	Inches	Cm	Inches	Cm
Child	18 – 20	45.5 – 51.0	7.5 – 8.0	19.0 – 20.5
Tween	20 – 22	51.0 – 56.0	8.0 – 8.5	20.5 – 21.5
Woman	21 – 23	53.0 – 58.5	8.0 – 9.0	20.5 – 23.0
Man	22 – 24	56.0 – 61.0	8.5 – 9.5	21.5 – 24.0

Circumference measure:

First determine the table listed Circumference for the chosen Size^ƚ. Next determine the even number of relaxed FSC for the chosen circumference.

^ƚNote:

• If in doubt, for a standard size beanie, use a measure that toward the lower end of the tabulated range, to account for beanie positive ease and stretching with wear.
• If the chosen yarn has considerable give/elasticity, or tension tends to be very loose, adjust the circumference measure down by half an inch or 1-2cm.

Length measure:

Look up the table listed Fitted Length for the chosen Size. For a slouchy beanie, add at least an inch or 3-4cm to the table beanie length.

Approximate Personalised Method

Circumference measure:

First measure the person’s head circumference. Next determine the even number of relaxed FSC for the chosen circumference^ƚ.

^ƚNote:

• If the chosen yarn has considerable give/elasticity, or tension tends to be very loose, adjust the circumference measure down by half an inch or 1-2cm.

Length measure:

Measure the length from just above the person’s brow to their crown. For a slouchy beanie add at least an inch or 3-4cm to the measured length.

Appendix D: Star Stitch Instructions & Images

Refer to Ravelry PDF.